Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 4, 2023, Yasmin Sanchez-Centeno, 22, of Toms River, was charged with Vehicular Homicide, Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide, Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death, and being an Unlicensed Driver Involved in a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death, all in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Manchester Township on August 3, 2023.

On August 3, 2023, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Officers from the Manchester Township Police Department were summoned to the area of 1881 Route 37 for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash.  Responding Officers determined that a 2007 Yamaha motorcycle and a 2005 Nissan Murano were involved in a crash, and that the driver of the Nissan Murano had fled the scene.  An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Manchester Township Police Department revealed that the Yamaha motorcycle was being driven by Jeffrey Schlinger, 23, of Toms River, and was traveling eastbound on Route 37. The Nissan Murano, operated by Sanchez-Centeno, pulled out onto Route 37 – failing to yield to the motorcycle. The motorcycle was unable to avoid a collision and struck the rear passenger side door of the Nissan Murano. As a result, Mr. Schlinger suffered serious injuries.  He was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he ultimately succumbed to those injuries.

Further investigation revealed that after the crash, Sanchez-Centeno continued eastbound on Route 37 until his vehicle became inoperable. Sanchez-Centeno then exited the vehicle and fled on foot into a nearby wooded area.  Sanchez-Centeno was ultimately located by Manchester Township Police Officers.  Once apprehended, the Officers administered standardized field sobriety tests to Sanchez-Centeno – all of which he failed. Sanchez-Centeno was thereafter transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where a draw of his blood was obtained pursuant to a court-authorized warrant. Sanchez-Centeno was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collective assistance in connection with this investigation.